Iowa RB Akrum Wadley packs on pounds, gets ready to show his speed at NFL Combine

Former Iowa running back on his NFL meetings and the value of being able to play on special teams
Mark Emmert | Hawkcentral.com

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Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)Buy Photo

NFL teams have been hammering that message home as well. So it was a concern when Wadley showed up at January’s Senior Bowl weighing only 188 pounds. That’s not conducive to a long NFL career.

Wadley took that message to heart … and stomach.

But the New Jersey kid who rushed for 2,190 yards and rang up 26 total touchdowns the past two seasons at Iowa has more to prove here than merely an ability to eat.

It’s a deep draft for running backs, and Wadley is widely considered to be the 10th-to-12th-best prospect among them. Typically, seven running backs are taken in the draft’s first three rounds. After that? That’s where Wadley has some room to move up.

He can help his cause with a terrific time in the 40-yard dash. Wadley said his goal is to be in the 4.4-second range.

Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels (78) covers Akrum Wadley as he runs down field during the Hawkeyes' game against Miami (Ohio) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016. David Scrivner / Iowa City Press-Citizen

If Iowa tailback Akrum Wadley keeps his weight up, he'll be harder to tackle. So far this spring, he's having more good days than bad in that regard, running backs coach Chris White said. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Akrum Wadley showed some nice burst and power at the spring game (51 yards on 10 touches). He and LeShun Daniels Jr. have the potential to combine for 2,000 yards in 2016. David Scrivner, Iowa City Press-Citizen

Akrum Wadley had some electric games this year, and if he can make weight he could be the Hawkeyes' best backfield weapon in 2016. LeShun Daniels Jr. and Derrick Mitchell Jr. are in the mix, too. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa's Akrum Wadley runs down field during the Hawkeyes' Big Ten Championship game against Michigan State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. David Scrivner / Iowa City Press-Citizen

Iowa's Akrum Wadley leaps over teammate Macon Plewa during the Hawkeyes' game against Purdue at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. The play was brought back after a holding penalty. David Scrivner / Iowa City Press-Citizen

Iowa football players celebrate one of Akrum Wadley's four touchdowns against Northwestern on Oct. 17. After a bye week, Wadley is No. 1 at running back on the depth chart, with Derrick Mitchell Jr. and LeShun Daniels Jr. backing him up. Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports

Akrum Wadley sprints into the end zone for one of his four touchdowns at Northwestern while quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) celebrates early and center Austin Blythe, right, pancakes a helpless Wildcat defender. Dustin Satloff, Special to the Register

University of Iowa running back Akrum Wadley (25) rushes for a touchdown during a NCAA Division I Football game between Northwestern University and the University of Iowa at Ryan Field on October 17, 2015 in Evanston, Illinois. Dustin Satloff/For the Register

Akrum Wadley chose Iowa over Temple, and it's become a history-making decision. The running back from Newark, New Jersey, has been one of the program's most prolific scorers and big-play threats. Brian Powers, The Register

Then a sophomore, Akrum Wadley rushed for 204 yards and four touchdowns against Northwestern on Oct. 17, 2015, in the Hawkeyes' 40-10 win. Wadley and Iowa return to Evanston this Saturday. Dustin Satloff, Special to the Register

OK, so Akrum Wadley high-stepped on his go-ahead, fourth-quarter touchdown against Penn State. "You (saw) me give the ball right to the ref, though," he said this week. Wadley is Iowa's leader in rushing and receiving yards. Reese Strickland, USA TODAY Sports

Iowa guard Sean Welsh (79) is the leader of an offensive line looking to pave the way for another 1,000-yard rushing season by Akrum Wadley (25). Welsh was named a second team Sports Illustrated preseason all-American. Michael Zamora/The Register

Tailback Akrum Wadley led Iowa in yards and touchdowns last season. The senior has landed on the "watch list" for the Doak Walker Award given to the nation's top running back. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

He can boost his stock by convincing teams he has value on special teams, something he was rarely asked to do at Iowa. Wadley pointed to the 171 yards he gained on five kick returns in the Hawkeyes’ Pinstripe Bowl victory in December. That’s a viable path to NFL playing time.

And then there’s the biggest question surrounding Wadley, who is seen as a change-of-pace back rather than a workhorse. Can he handle pass-blocking duties when called upon?

Wadley said Wednesday that’s a topic he addresses before NFL teams can even inquire.

“I bring it up when teams ask me a weakness in my game. Because I don’t see any weakness catching the ball, carrying the ball,” Wadley said. “I’m willing to do it. You know I’m tough. It’s just my technique. I always talk about my technique. It’s got to get better.

“You can’t play if you can’t protect the quarterback. The quarterback is the general, is the leader. You’ve got to be able to protect him. And I understand that.”

The value of a running back being able to block was underscored Tuesday when new Colts coach Frank Reich talked about veteran running back Frank Gore, never once mentioning what he did carrying the football.

“Frank Gore set the standard on what backs do in protection. I remember hearing stories when I’d be coaching for other teams that Frank Gore could run the protection meetings. He could make the protection calls for the quarterback,” Reich said. “This guy as far as I’m concerned is a living legend.”

But he’s a 34-year-old legend and the Colts have already told him they’re looking to get younger at that position. These types of decisions open up possibilities for players like Wadley, as long as they prove they’re up to the task.

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Former Hawkeye running back Akrum Wadley on whether he’s just a ‘complementary’ player and his ideal weight
Mark Emmert | Hawkcentral.com

NFL teams are increasingly looking to job-shares at running back, which the Saints did last season to such great effect with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Wadley averaged 6.4 yards per carry as a junior, when he shared time with LeShun Daniels Jr. Last year, that average fell to 4.4 as he was needed to carry a heavier load.

Wadley also caught 64 passes for 668 yards the past two seasons. That has not gone unnoticed.

“If you’re not necessarily having a team that is full of tight ends, more people are now going to their running backs (as receivers),” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimtroff noted. “I think it’s a really, really important part to adding explosiveness to your game. I still believe you can get some really good football players from (rounds) three to five, or three to six or seven, no question. You don’t have to go to the top of the draft to find depth runners or versatile runners.”

Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz raises the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl trophy after leading the Hawkeyes to a 27-20 win over Boston College in the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa's Anthony Nelson (98) and Matt Nelson (96) team up to stop Boston College running back AJ Dillon during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior fullback Drake Kulick hits a home run at Yankee Stadium after scoring Iowa's go-ahead run in the Hawkeyes' 27-20 win over Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley was named player of the game in Iowa's 27-20 win over Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa juniors Parker Hesse, left, and Jake Gervase make their way off the field at Yankee Stadium after helping the Hawkeyes to a 27-20 win over Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa freshman defensive end A.J. Epenesa digs his feet into the frozen ground to try to get footing against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa fans wave back to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital at the end of the first quarter against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Members of the Iowa defense celebrate a late turnover against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa junior center James Daniels discusses with offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz on the sideline against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz cheers after the Hawkeyes scored a touchdown against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa junior receiver Nick Easley signals a first down after making a reception against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior linebacker Josey Jewell is all smiles after the Hawkeyes won, 27-20, over Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa sophomore tight end Nate Wieting pulls in a reception against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz, right, talks a play over with his son and offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz watches the field prior to leading his Hawkeyes out against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz talks with punter Colten Rastetter against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa fullback Drake Kulick pounds his way into the end zone to put Iowa up for good as the Hawkeyes won, 27-20, over Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Members of the Iowa defense celebrate after junior safety Jake Gervase pulled down an interception against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa receiver Nick Easley pulls down a reception for a first down against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley is all smiles after being presented with the player of the game trophy after helping the Hawkeyes to a 27-20 win over Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa tight end Peter Pekar (86) and quarterback Nate Stanley (4) celebrate with tight end Noah Fant after Fant pulled in a touchdown in the second quarter against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley celebrates after scoring a game-tying touchdown in the third quarter against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz watches his offense in action against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley takes off down the field against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa junior safety Jake Gervase (30) reacts after intercepting a Boston College pass in the Eagles' first drive during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior offensive lineman Sean Welsh waits for the play to come in against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley throws a touchdown pass to tight end Noah Fant against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs explodes off the line in an offensive play against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa tight end Noah Fant pulls in a reception and turns it into a touchdown against Boston College in the second quarter during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley is sacked by Boston College defensive end Zach Allen during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa freshman right tackle Tristan Wirfs (74) guards during an offensive drive against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa fans hold up a Tigerhawk towel prior to kickoff against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa defensive back Josh Jackson, left, runs a drill with receiver Henry Marchese prior to kickoff against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley fights for more yards against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa sophomore punter Colten Rastetter warms up prior to kickoff against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette watches his teammates warm up prior to kickoff against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa junior defensive end Parker Hesse and the Hawkeyes make their way to their locker room prior to kickoff against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa Hawkeyes fans make their way to Yankee Stadium during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Iowa takes on Boston College. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa right tackle Tristan Wirfs, left, and the Hawkeyes make their way to the team locker room prior to kickoff against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Doug Peters and his daughter, Abby, 15, of Burlington, bundle up as they make their way toward Yankee Stadium for the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl between Iowa and Boston College in Bronx, New York, on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz makes his way to the team locker room prior to kickoff against Boston College during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

The Havick and Moews families from Norwalk and Indianola pose for a photo outside of Yankee Stadium during the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

That’s exactly what Wadley wants to hear. His skill set seems ideal for the modern NFL.

The extra weight should help Wadley stand up bettler to blitzing defenders. If he can show that he has maintained his speed while adding pounds, that will be a big moment for him. His college production, especially in big games, was outstanding, so his film speaks for itself.

Wadley said he’s met with all 32 NFL teams between the Senior Bowl and the Combine. He has formal discussions set up with the Dolphins and Bills here as well. Someone will call his name in April, probably in the fourth through the sixth round. He said he doesn’t care who or when. He’s ready to prove he can be a game-breaking player at the next level as well.

How is he selling himself to NFL personnel?

“I always like to say my vision, quick feet. My ability to make defenders miss in the open field. I’ve got really good hands out of the backfield. Tough. I can go in between tackles, I can go outside. Everything,” Wadley said. “I don’t ever stop talking.”